A restoration and renovation business involved in both public and private sector markets is restoring young peoples’ prospects in Bolton.

Based in the town since 1946, HeightVale Ltd works in all market sectors to deliver quality restoration projects at school buildings, libraries, community centres, domestic households and even mayoral parlours! And now it is aiming to be the making of Rathbone learners such as Mike Mesifah Kassaye.

Rathbone learners Rico Young and Mike Mesifah Kassaye, Jim White (Business Development Director) and Anthony Stott (Rathbone Bolton).

Born in Kenya of an Ethiopian father, Mike (17) came to the North West of England two years ago and tutors at Rathbone can’t speak highly enough of a young man who has mastered English and clocked-up a 100% attendance record at our Chorley Street base.

Mike has always been a whizz at DIY and he now hopes to create a bang on his two-week placement at HeightVale so he can charge on to a career as an electrician.

Business Development Manager at HeightVale Jim White believes that many of the company’s current and best employees benefitted from on-site experience. He also says that taking young people on can be good for any business. “We’re a family firm and we want to give something back to the community” said Jim, “but we also realise that by taking the lads on we could spot a genius.”

The careers service Connexions sealed a deal between Rathbone and HeightVale which will initially see young people gain a fortnight of work experience. Kath Farrant, Centre Manager at Rathbone Bolton, said: “The economic downturn has hurt the youngest hardest and jobs are scarce. If they are to achieve their goals they will need more than mere qualifications, so what HeightVale is offering is absolutely essential.”